Welcome to SEIU Local 200United’s Collaboration with Consumer Reports

Service Employees International Union Local 200United is collaborating with Consumer Reports to bring union members, retirees and their families important healthcare information from the Choosing Wisely and High Value Care campaigns.

Informed patients make smarter choices. Patients can be safer, save money, avoid hassles and get better sooner if they know how and where to shop for their medical care. With the information on these pages in hand, millions of Americans can make smarter decisions for themselves and their families.

Think you need an EKG as part of your annual exam? How about getting an MRI or CT scan for your headaches? Or antibiotics for that sinus infection that’s bugging you?

While these tests and treatments are commonly prescribed, they’re also frequently overused and not needed. By one estimate, up to one-third of U.S. healthcare spending goes for unneeded medical services. It’s not just wasteful; it can also be personally risky to your health.

Through this initiative, Local 200United members and their families have access to high-quality Consumer Reports articles that can be used as the basis for important discussions with their doctors. Everyone can be safer, save money, avoid hassles, and get better sooner if they know how and where to shop for medical care.

Click the tabs at left for reports about tests, treatments, drugs, supplements, doctors and hospitals.

Contact us for information about this campaign.

Tests and Treatments

High Value Care reports

Put your health-care money where it matters.

High Value Care is a series initiated by the American College of Physicians. These are consumer-friendly versions of reports first published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.

Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)

• It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
• English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
• Spanish: Estudios por imágenes para el dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
• Video: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
• Video: Pruebas de imágenes para el dolor de espalda

Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)

• The best drug choice usually isn't one of the newer, heavily advertised ones.
• English: Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
• Spanish: Cómo elegir un medicamento para la diabetes tipo 2
• Plain English: Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)

Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)

• People with heartburn often undergo a procedure called endoscopy to see if GERD is the cause.
• English: Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)
• Spanish: Endoscopia superior para agruras frecuentes o Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesofágico (GERD)
• Plain English: Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)

Choosing Wisely reports

Do you really need that test? You might be surprised.

Choosing Wisely helps doctors and patients together avoid needless and even harmful procedures. The ABIM Foundation and medical specialty groups have created lists of avoidable procedures. Consumer Reports has in turn created these patient-oriented reports.

Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.

Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors

• Some tests and treatments won’t help older adults. They may even be harmful, especially near the end of life.
• Plain English: Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors
• Spanish: Consejos para los cuidadores

Allergy Tests (AAAAI)

• If you don’t have symptoms or a medical evaluation that points to allergy, think twice about skin or blood tests.
• Plain English: Allergy Tests
• Spanish: Pruebas para Alergias

Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)

• If you're having memory problems, your doctor should look for other causes before ordering a brain scan.
• Plain English: Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)
• Spanish: Pruebas para la enfermedad de Alzheimer

Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)

• In most cases of middle ear infection, antibiotics are not needed. Here's what to do instead.
• Plain English: Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)
• Spanish: Antibióticos para infecciones del oído en niños

Antibiotics For Pink Eye (AAO)

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments don’t usually help with conjunctivitis. In fact, they can do more harm than good.
• Plain English: Antibiotics For Pink Eye (AAO)
• Spanish: Antibióticos para la conjuntivitis

Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP)

• Most of the time, children don't need antibiotics for sore throat, cough or runny nose.
• Plain English: Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP)
• Spanish: Antibióticos para garganta irritada, tos o nariz tapada

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS)

• Many older people get antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections when they don't need it.
• Plain English: Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS)
• Spanish: Antibióticos para las infecciones de las vías urinarias en personas mayores

Antibiotics For Your Skin (AAD)

• There are risks to using antibiotics needlessly on your skin. And there are better ways to control eczema and help your skin heal.
• Plain English: Antibiotics For Your Skin (AAD)
• Spanish: Antibióticos para la piel

Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t

• When and how to use antibiotics to help you and your loved ones avoid drug resistance.
• Plain English: Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don't
• Plain English: Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don't (Complete Package)
• Spanish: Antibióticos: Cuándo se necesitan y cuándo no

Antipsychotic Drugs for People with Dementia (AGS)

• Powerful antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice for people with dementia. Here's why.
• Plain English: Treating disruptive behavior in people with dementia
• Spanish: Tratamiento del comportamiento problemático en personas con demencia

Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)

• Studies show that staying in bed longer than 48 hours won’t help with lower-back pain.
• Plain English: Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
• Spanish: Tratamiento del dolor en la parte baja de la espalda

Bone-Density Tests (AAFP)

• If you’re not at higher risk for weak bones, you should think twice about the bone-density test. Here’s why.
• Plain English: Bone-Density Tests
• Spanish: Pruebas de Densidad de los Huesos

Breast Biopsy (CoC)

• In contrast with surgical or "open" biopsy, a needle biopsy is easier on the body.
• Plain English: Breast Biopsy (CoC)
• Spanish: Biopsia del seno

Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)

• Some tests, treatments, and procedures are not only unnecessary, they can even prove harmful.
• English: Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)

Cardiac Imaging (ASNC)

• In some cases, especially in healthy people without chest pain, you should be cautious about the tests.
• English: Cardiac Imaging (ASNC)

Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO)

• Although it is hard to accept, the best thing for you may be to stop treatment for the cancer.
• Plain English: Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO)
• Spanish: Cuidados al fin de la vida para pacientes con cáncer avanzado

Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN)

• Having some blockage in a carotid artery doesn't automatically mean you should have artery-clearing surgery.
• Plain English: Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN)
• Spanish: Cirugía de la arteria carótida

Chest X-rays before surgery(ACR)

• If you don’t have signs or symptoms of heart or lung disease, think twice about having a pre-operative X-ray.
• Plain English: Chest X-rays before surgery (ACR)
• Spanish: Radiografía del tórax antes de una cirugía
• Video: Do You Need a Chest X-ray Before Surgery?

Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA)

• If you are age 75 or older and you haven’t had symptoms of heart disease, statins may be a bad idea.
• Plain English: Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA)
• Spanish: Medicamentos para el colesterol para personas mayores de 75 años

Colonoscopy (AGA)

• Even a very good test can be done too often.
• English: Colonoscopy (AGA)

CT Scans for Children with Head Injuries (AAP)

• For children with head injuries, a CT scan often is not needed.
• Plain English: CT Scans for Children with Head Injuries (AAP)
• Spanish: Tomografías (CTscans) para niños con lesiones en la cabeza

CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS)

• The CT scan, used to look for early signs of lung cancer, is not useful for many smokers.
• Plain English: CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS)
• Spanish: Tomografías (CT scans) para detectar cáncer de pulmón en fumadores

Dental Fillings that Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT)

• It's not necessary to replace fillings that contain mercury.
• Plain English: Dental Fillings that Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT)
• Spanish: Empastes dentales que contienen mercurio

Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN)

• Think twice about treating migraine attacks with opioids or butalbital.
• Plain English: Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN)
• Spanish: Tratamiento de migrañas

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR)

• The older, "non-biologic" drugs are a better first choice for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
• Plain English: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR)
• Spanish: Cómo tratar la artritis reumatoide

Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO)

• When do you need CSFs? When don't you need them?
• Plain English: Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO)
• Spanish: Medicamentos para aumentar los glóbulos blancos en pacientes con cáncer que reciben quimioterapia

Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)

• To hurry a baby’s birth can increase the risk of serious problems for both you and your baby.
• Plain English: Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)
• Spanish: Al dar a luz a su bebé

Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)

• If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need an echocardiogram first.
• Plain English: Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)
• Spanish: Un ecocardiograma antes de una cirugía

Echocardiograms for Valve Disease (ACC)

• When do you need an echocardiogram?
• Plain English: Echocardiograms for Valve Disease (ACC)
• Spanish: Ecocardiografía para valvulopatías cardíacas

Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS)

• Sometimes the echocardiogram imaging test is done very soon after heart valve surgery, while you are still in the hospital. Usually that's not useful.
• Plain English: Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS)
• Spanish: Un ecocardiograma después de una cirugía para reemplazar una válvula cardíaca

EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)

• EKGs or exercise stress tests usually aren't necessary for people without symptoms.
• Plain English: EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
• Spanish: Los electrocardiogramas (ECG) (EKG) y las pruebas de esfuerzo durante el ejercicio
• Video: EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
• Video: Los EKG y las pruebas de estrés por ejercicio — No son indicadas para todos

Feeding Tubes for People with Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM)

• Feeding tubes sometimes do more harm than good. Here’s why.
• Plain English: Feeding Tubes for People with Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM)
• Spanish: Sondas de Alimentación para las personas con Alzheimer

Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)

• Five common physical therapy treatments can lead to harm, more tests, and greater costs.
• Plain English: Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)
• Spanish: Terapia Física

Health Checkups (SGIM)

• You probably don't need that yearly checkup. In fact, it can do more harm than good.
• Plain English: Health Checkups (SGIM)
• Spanish: Exámenes médicos

Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC)

• If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need a heart imaging test first to make sure it is safe.
• Plain English: Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC)
• Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía

Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS)

• Stress tests usually aren’t helpful if you don’t have heart problems.
• Plain English: Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS)
• Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo del corazón antes de una cirugía de tórax

Heart Tests Before Surgery (ASNC)

• If you don't have heart problems, you probably don't need a heart test before an operation.
• Plain English: Heart imaging tests before surgery
• Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía

Home Apnea Monitors for SIDs (AAP)

• Home apnea monitors give little or no protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• Plain English: Home apnea monitors for SIDs (AAP)
• Spanish: Monitores caseros para la apnea para el SIDS

Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)

• Many people who use long-term home oxygen therapy don’t need it.
• Plain English: Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)
• Spanish: Oxígeno en casa después de una estadía en el hospital

Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO)

• When do cancer experts recommend imaging tests and tumor marker tests?
• Plain English: Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO)
• Spanish: Pruebas de marcadores tumorales y de imágenes para el cáncer de seno

Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)

• If you’ve had bypass surgery or a stent inserted to open a blocked artery, do you need regular imaging tests?
• Plain English: Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)
• Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes después de un procedimiento cardíaco

Imaging Tests for Back Pain (AAFP)

• It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain
• Spanish: Pruebas radiológicas debido a dolor en la parte baja de la espalda

Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO)

• It's not always a good idea to get all the tests that are available. You may not need them.
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO)
• Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para el cáncer de próstata en su etapa temprana

Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)

• Many with severe headaches want a CT scan or MRI to see if they have a tumor or other serious problem.
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)
• Spanish: Pruebas de Imágenes para Dolores de Cabeza

Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC)

• If you are a healthy person without symptoms, you should think twice about having these tests.
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC)
• Spanish: Pruebas de Imágenes para la enfermedad cardíaca

Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR)

• Repetitive ultrasound exams may not be necessary.
• Plain English: Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR)
• Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para quistes ováricos

Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI)

• Some people receive the treatment even though they don’t need it.
• English: Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI)

Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM)

• An ICD helps the heart beat normally. But if you are near death, those shocks can make things worse.
• Plain English: Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM)
• Spanish: Dispositivos cardíacos implantados al final de la vida

Kidney Disease (ASN)

• Here are four important tests and treatments you should carefully discuss with your family and doctor
• Plain English: Kidney Disease (ASN)
• Spanish: Enfermedad Renal Crónica

Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)

• Most healthy people don't need blood or urine tests done before surgery, especially low-risk surgery. Here's why.
• Plain English: Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)
• Spanish: Pruebas de laboratorio antes de una cirugía

Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)

• There are two blood tests for Lyme disease, but usually you don't need them. Here's why.
• Plain English: Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)
• Spanish: Pruebas para la Enfermedad de Lyme

Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO)

• Most people don't need to have their blood tested or their heart checked before they have eye surgery. Here's why.
• Plain English: Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO)
• Spanish: Pruebas médicas antes de una cirugía de ojo

Medical Tests Before Surgery

• Often, pre-operative tests are not necessary. It is not a good idea to get them just because you’re having surgery.
• Plain English: Medical Tests Before Surgery - When You Need Them, and When You Don't
• Spanish: Pruebas médicas antes de una cirugía

Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)

• Sometimes antibiotic eardrops are safer and more effective than oral antibiotics.
• Plain English: Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)
• Spanish: Antibióticos orales para las infecciones del oído

Painkiller Choices with Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)

• If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, steer clear of some pain relievers.
• Plain English: Painkiller Choices with Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)
• Spanish: Medicinas para el dolor

Palliative Care (AAHPM)

• With palliative care, you can get physical, emotional, and spiritual support at any stage of a serious illness.
• Plain English: Palliative Care (AAHPM)
• Spanish: Cuidados Paliativos

Pap Tests (AAFP)

• Many teenage girls and some women have the test when they don’t need it. Here’s why.
• Plain English: Pap Tests
• Spanish: Pruebas de Papanicolaou

Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP)

• You usually don’t need a Pap test and pelvic exam before getting birth control pills.
• Plain English: Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP)
• Spanish: Exámenes pélvicos, exámenes de Papanicolau y anticonceptivos orales

PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO)

• If you've been treated for cancer, you may not need PET scans to check for a return of the cancer.
  
• Plain English: PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO)
• Spanish: Tomografías (PET scans) después del tratamiento contra el cáncer

Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM)

• Watch out for two overused hospital medical practices, urinary catheters and ulcer drugs.
• Plain English: Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM)
• Spanish: Cómo prevenir las infecciones en el hospital

PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)

• The PSA screening test is widely used, but often is not needed.
• Plain English: PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
• Spanish: La prueba de sangre PSA para detectar cáncer de próstata

Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)

• Ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are not useful for screening low-risk women for ovarian cancer.
• Plain English: Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)
• Spanish: Exámenes de detección para el cáncer de ovario

Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don’t

• It’s important to know which tests you need, and how often you need them.
• Plain English: Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don't

Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)

• If you have breast cancer, there is a newer, simpler surgery to check your lymph nodes.
• Plain English: Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)
• Spanish: Tratamiento para el cáncer de seno

Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS)

• Older adults usually should try other non-drug treatments first, for insomnia and anxiety.
• Plain English: Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS)
• Spanish: Insomnio y ansiedad en personas mayores

Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI)

• Many people who need the test don’t receive it.
• Plain English: Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI)

Stress Tests After Procedures (ASNC)

• Unless you're experiencing symptoms, this test usually isn't helpful in the first few years after heart bypass surgery or a stent procedure.
• Plain English: Testing after heart procedures
• Spanish: Pruebas después de procedimientos cardíacos

Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM)

• If you’re having surgery, you will probably not need a heart stress test beforehand if you are healthy, active, and feeling well, or if you’re having minor surgery.
• Plain English: Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM)
• Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo del corazón antes de una cirugía

Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC)

• If you’re at low risk for having a heart problem, even if you have symptoms, you usually don’t need this imaging test.
• English: Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC)

Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)

• The popular supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not help relieve arthritic knees.
• Plain English: Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)
• Spanish: El tratamiento de la osteoartritis de la rodilla

Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)

• Unless you have other symptoms of low testosterone, you should think twice about the treatment. Here's why.
• Plain English: Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)
• Spanish: Tratamiento para los problemas de erección

Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)

• Before heart surgery, you probably don't need a breathing test or carotid ultrasound test, unless you have breathing problems or symptoms.
• Plain English: Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)
• Spanish: Pruebas antes de una cirugía del corazón

Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)

• If you have a deep blood clot, you probably don't need a device called an IVC filter. They don't work better than blood-thinning drugs.
• Plain English: Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)
• Spanish: Tratamiento de coágulos sanguíneos agudos

Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)

• Most people with Peripheral Artery Disease won't benefit from surgery or angioplasty.
• Plain English: Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)
• Spanish: Tratamiento de arterias obstruidas en las piernas

Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers (AHS)

• It is easy to use too much pain medicine. This can make headaches worse and cause other medical problems.
• Plain English: Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers (AHS)
• Spanish: Tratamiento de dolores de cabeza frecuentes con analgésicos

Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA)

• In most cases of heartburn a PPI isn't necessary.
• Plain English: Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA)

Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)

• If you have prostate cancer, but it poses a low risk to you, consider "watchful waiting."
• Plain English: Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)
• Spanish: Cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo

Treating Sinusitis (AAAAI)

• Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
• Plain English: Treating Sinusitis
• Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
• Video: Para tratar la sinusitis
• Video: Treating sinusitis

Treating Sinusitis (AAFP)

• Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
• Plain English: Treating Sinusitis (AAFP)
• Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
• Video: Treating Sinusitis
• Video: Para tratar la sinusitis

Treating Sleep Problems (APA)

• If you have insomnia, antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice of treatment.
• Plain English: Treating Sleep Problems (APA)
• Spanish: Tratamiento de problemas del sueño

Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)

• Three procedures commonly used in the emergency room are unnecessary in many cases.
• Plain English: Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)
• Spanish: Evite tratamientos innecesarios en la sala de emergencias

Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA)

• Older adults are often tested for UTIs. But if you don’t have symptoms, the tests are not very useful.
• Plain English: Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA)

Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)

• There are several common vision tests and procedures that many children do not need.
• Plain English: Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)
• Spanish: Cuidado de la vista para los niños

Vitamin D Tests (ASCP)

• Doctors often order a blood test to measure your vitamin D, but the results are unlikely to change their advice.
• Plain English: Vitamin D Tests (ASCP)
• Spanish: Pruebas de Vitamina D

Drugs and Supplements

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is a public education project that provides free guidance on the safety, effectiveness and cost of drugs. Best Buy Drug Reports combine an expert review of the scientific evidence with pricing information. And our Money Saving Guides will help you navigate the world of drugs – to save money when you buy them, to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and choices, and to take drugs more safely and wisely.

Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.

Best Buy Drug Reports

Antidepressants

• Individual needs vary and people respond to antidepressants quite differently.
• English: Antidepressants
• Spanish: Antidepresivos
• Summary: Antidepressants
• Video: ¿Necesita un antidepresivo?

Antihistamines

• We evaluate seven second-generation antihistamines in this report.
• English: Antihistamines
• Spanish: Los antihistamínicos
• Summary: Antihistamines
• Video: Best antihistamine for your allergies

Antiplatelet Drugs

• This report evaluates the use of five antiplatelet drugs.
• English: Antiplatelet Drugs
• Spanish: Medicamentos antiplaquetarios s
• Summary: Antiplatelet Drugs

Antipsychotics for Depression

• The atypical antipsychotics aren’t good first choices as add-ons to antidepressants.
• English: Antipsychotics for Depression
• Summary: Antipsychotics for Depression
• Spanish: Depresión: ¿Debería usar antipsicóticos?
• Video: Antipsychotics for depression

Antipsychotics in Children

• This report focuses on the use of prescription medications called atypical antipsychotics by children and teenagers.
• English: Antipsychotics in Children
• Summary: Antipsychotics in Children
• Spanish: Medicamentos Antipsicóticos para Niños y Adolescentes

Best Drugs For Less

• Find Best Buy Drugs that are less expensive, as effective and as safe as some pricey, brand-name drugs.
• English: Best Drugs For Less

Drugs for ADHD

• Our analysis found no evidence that any ADHD drug is more effective than another.
• English: Drugs for ADHD
• Spanish: Trastorno de déficit de atención con hiperactividad
• Summary: Drugs for ADHD
• Video: Tratamiento del ADHD
• Video: Treating ADHD

Drugs for Alzheimer’s

• There is no way as yet to predict who will respond to one of the five drugs approved to treat Alzheimer's disease.
• Spanish: La enfermedad de Alzheimer
• Summary: Drugs for Alzheimer's
• Video: Medicamentos para tratar el Alzheimer
• Video: Drugs for Alzheimer's disease

Drugs for Asthma

• Not everyone with asthma or COPD needs an inhaled steroid.
• English: Drugs for Asthma
• Spanish: Asma
• Summary: Drugs for Asthma

Drugs for Constipation

• If your constipation persists for two to three weeks, you may need a drug. A variety are available.
• English: Drugs for Constipation
• Spanish: Estreñimiento
• Summary: Drugs for Constipation
• Video: Remedies to relieve constipation

Drugs for Diabetes

• Six types of oral medicines are now available to help people control blood sugar.
• English: Drugs for Diabetes
• Spanish: Tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2
• Summary: Drugs for Diabetes
• Video: Type 2 diabetes: Which drug is best?

Drugs for Enlarged Prostate

• We have chosen one alpha-blocker as a Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug.
• English: Drugs for Enlarged Prostate
• Summary: Drugs for Enlarged Prostate
• Spanish: Agrandamiento de la próstata
• Video: Treating enlarged prostate

Drugs for Heartburn

• PPIs are effective at treating GERD, but you will have to see a doctor to confirm you have the condition.
• English: Drugs for Heartburn
• Spanish: Inhibidores de la bomba de protones
• Summary: Drugs for Heartburn
• Video: Heartburn: What Works Best?

Drugs for Insomnia

• We recommend that both prescription and nonprescription sleeping pills be used judiciously.
• English: Drugs for Insomnia
• Spanish: Insomnio
• Summary: Drugs for Insomnia
• Video: Beating insomnia

Drugs for Overactive Bladder

• If your frequent trips to the bathroom are interfering with your life or you're having accidents, consider medication.
• English: Drugs for Overactive Bladder
• Spanish: Vejiga hiperactiva
• Summary: Drugs for Overactive Bladder

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Many people who have not benefited from other rheumatoid arthritis drugs get some relief from biologics.
• English: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Spanish: Los síntomas de la artritis reumatoidea
• Video: Tratamiento para la artritis reumatoide

Five Questions to Ask About a New Drug (poster)

• Make sure you understand the drug, why you're taking it, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
• English: Five Questions to Ask About a New Drug

Muscle Relaxants

• Muscle relaxants might help with spasticity in disorders such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or stroke.
• English: Muscle Relaxants
• Spanish: Los relajantes musculares
• Summary: Muscle Relaxants
• Video: Treating muscle pain

NSAIDs

• This report shows how you could save $135 a month ($1,640 a year) or more if you need to take an NSAID.
• English: NSAIDs
• Spanish: Los medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos
• Summary: NSAIDs
• Video: Best treatments for pain

Opioids

• Opioids are only moderately effective in treating long-term chronic pain.
• English: Opioids
• Spanish: Los opioides
• Summary: Opioids

Prescription Painkillers: 5 Surprising Facts

• How did these dangerously addictive pills turn into the most prescribed drugs in America?
• English: Prescription Painkillers: 5 Surprising Facts

Preventing Bone Fractures in Osteoporosis

• If you have osteoporosis, here is how to choose a drug to prevent bone fractures, considering effectiveness, safety and price.
• English: Preventing Bone Fractures in Osteoporosis

Statins

• There are seven statins, but they're not all the same. Some deliver a greater reduction in cholesterol than others.
• English: Statins
• Spanish: Estatinas
• Summary: Statins
• Video: Choosing a statin drug

Treating High Blood Pressure

• If diet and exercise alone do not help enough, then you should consider adding a blood pressure drug.
• Plain English: Treating High Blood Pressure
• Spanish: Cómo Tratar la Hipertensión

Triptans for Migraine

• If nonprescription pain relievers don't work for you, the next step may be a triptan.
• English: Triptans for Migraine
• Spanish: Los triptanos

Money Saving Guides

Generic Drugs

• The big difference is that generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
• English: Generic Drugs
• Spanish: Medicamentos genéricos
• Video: El mismo medicamento por menos dinero

Getting the Best Price

• There are things you can do to save money on drugs—and sometimes a lot of money.
• English: Getting the Best Price
• Spanish: Cómo obtener el mejor precio
• Video: Cómo obtener el mejor precio en medicinas

Managing Multiple Medicines

• The best way to make sure you are taking the right drugs is to review all your drugs with your doctors periodically.
• English: Managing Multiple Medicines
• Spanish: Múltiples medicamentos
• Video: Cómo manejar múltiples medicamentos

Medication Formularies

• Using your plan’s formulary will help you save money on your drugs.
• English: Medication Formularies
• Spanish: Formulario de su plan de salud:

Off-Label Drug Use

• One in five prescriptions in the U.S. is for a use not approved by the FDA.
• English: Off-Label Drug Use
• Spanish: Usos no aprobados
• Video: Off-label prescription drugs

Prescription Assistance Programs

• Do you need help paying for prescription drugs? You may qualify for a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP).
• English: Prescription Assistance Programs
• Spanish: Programas de Asistencia para Medicamentos Recetados

Reading Labels

• Both the label and the information sheet tell you important safety information.
• English: Reading Labels
• Spanish: Cómo leer etiquetas
• Video: Cómo leer etiquetas de su medicina
• Video: Understanding prescription drug labels

Side Effects

• Tell your doctor about any previous unpleasant side effects, allergies, or bad reactions.
• English: Side Effects
• Spanish: Efectos secundarios
• Video: Los efectos secundarios

Splitting Pills

• Many doctors and health authorities are advising this strategy with more and more medicines.
• English: Splitting Pills
• Spanish: División de tabletas

Starting a New Drug

• Every time you get a new drug, make sure you understand why you are taking it and how to take it.
• English: Starting a New Drug
• Spanish: Cómo comenzar con un nuevo medicamento
• Video: Cómo comenzar un nuevo medicamento

Taking Your Medication as Directed

• If you skip doses, take less than the full dose, or stop too soon, the drug may not work properly. Taking too much of a drug can also harm you.
• English: Taking Your Medication as Directed
• Spanish: Tome los medicamentos según las indicaciones
• Video: Tomar las medicinas según las indicaciones

From Consumer Reports magazine

Dangerous Supplements

• What you don't know about these 12 ingredients can hurt you.
• English: Dangerous Supplements

Doctors and Hospitals

These special reports from Consumer Reports magazine address important issues confronting healthcare consumers and their families.

Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.

Cancer Tests and Treatments

• When you need that cancer screening test -- and when you don't.
• English: Cancer Tests and Treatments

Dangerous Supplements

• What you don't know about these 12 ingredients can hurt you.
• English: Dangerous Supplements

Deadly Infections

• Hospitals can lower the risk, but many fail to act.
• English: Deadly Infections

Dr. Who?

• The next ‘doctor’ you see might be a nurse practitioner. Here's a guide to who you can expect to see in a white coat, and how they can help you.
• English: Dr. Who?

Healing Hearts

• Cardiac care is a money-making machine that too often favors profit over science.
• English: Healing Hearts

Medical Homes

• Patient-centered medical homes seek to provide comprehensive, continuous, well-coordinated care to patients.
• English: Medical Homes

The Real Cost of Care

• Here's why healthcare prices, for the same service, in the same town, vary so widely.
• English: The Real Cost of Care

What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew

• How to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship.
• English: What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew

What to Reject When You’re Expecting

• Here are 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy.
• English: What to Reject When You’re Expecting
• Spanish: Qué debe rechazar cuando está embarazada